STRATEGIC PLAN

Transcription

1 STRATEGIC PLAN

2 Introduction The first competitive endurance ride in Australia was held in the Hawkesbury Valley, west of Sydney, supervised by Professor Hutchins who ran the Camden Veterinary Hospital. It came to be called the QUILTY, after Tom Quilty, a Kimberly cattle man, who supported the idea and who donated the money for a Gold Cup. The first endurance ride began on the 1st of October, The riders had signed a document to say that they would ride as individuals and did not ride for any prize money. The successful combinations received a silver buckle, and that has been the practice since. Endurance riding remains competitive with amateur riders. The Australian Endurance Riders Association was formed to regulate this new sport. Rules were added to suit the circumstances and the veterinary criteria also were tightened, on the advice of the veterinary team. Branches of the Australian Endurance Riders Association were formed in each State (except the Northern Territory) affiliated to the AERA. This lead to the formation of the Queensland Endurance Riders Association. The sport has evolved over the years to protect our horses and riders. The concept of novice riders and novice horses has meant that newcomers to the sport need to qualify themselves to be able to ride in open endurance rides in Australia. All horses must have a log book which identifies the horse and all the rides that it has entered, including its successes and failures. The Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), which controls all rules for equestrian sport world-wide, has developed a set of rules for endurance competitions. Our Australian riders must comply with these in overseas competition. FEI rides are held in Australia from time to time so that our riders have the opportunity to qualify to compete overseas. The sport of Endurance is one of the few sports where Women and Men compete equally. Endurance riding includes training rides from as little as 20km up to around 50km. Endurance rides start at 80km in one day up to 160km in one day. There are also marathon rides up to 400km or more over several days. Although we consider Endurance Riding as a sport, we know that it is something more. Our challenge is more than a test against course, clock and other competitors. It is a test of something deep within each of us a test of our spirit, our compassion and our communication with a creature with whom we share our life during the long hours and miles of training and competition. We live in a world where young people are searching for values not always provided by the existing social structure. For many, an involvement with horses has brought the feeling of being closer to nature. The trusting, loving, working relationship between horse and human through the ages began to diminish as transportation and farming became mechanised. However, the relationship with horses is being renewed in leisure activities.

3 Mission Statement To deliver a family-oriented sport which promotes above all else the welfare of horses and aligning with our sports motto of To Complete is to Win.

4 Executive Summary The Queensland Endurance Riders Association Incorporated (QERA) is affiliated with the national body of the Australian Endurance Riders Association Incorporated (AERA Inc.) to manage the membership, affiliated clubs and events held in Queensland and the Northern Rivers area. QERA provides an administration with processes, policies, rules, support and education to our members, affiliated clubs and officials (Chief Stewards, Veterinarians and TPR s) primarily through the governance of our Management Committee, with administrative support of the Registrar. Each year there approximately 22 endurance clubs holding endurance rides all over Queensland. QERA is responsible for the day to day administration within Queensland. The QERA goals include: Youth Development Education Increase in international competition Increase participation in endurance riding Encourage Members into Volunteer Program Develop improved administration systems Maintain financial stability These goals will prove to be a challenge to achieve, however with hard work, dedication and planning they are considered to be achievable. This Strategic Plan has been developed and agreed to by the QERA Management Committee. This Strategic Plan will play a fundamental role in managing the Association over the next three years. This plan will be used extensively by the Management Committee, reviewed on an annual basis and when necessary will be modified to meet the changing needs of the Association. Gerard Bou President Queensland Endurance Riders Association

5 Our Vision To see an increase in the up-take of Endurance Riding in Queensland as both a family oriented recreation and amateur sport as well as professional competition. We strive to deliver support to our members and affiliated clubs through the following key strategies; Objectives Strategies Challenges Key Performance Indicators Junior Competition Provide opportunities locally and internationally for junior riders that typically would not get such an opportunity Sourcing significant sponsorship Participation of other nations for our Southern Cross Challenge around Junior competition. Training and Education State driven training seminars on the electronic program for ride results and administration in AERASpace Co-ordinating large enough groups across large geographic regions from South East, Central and Far North Queensland Affiliated Club confidence and proficiency in managing ride results in AERASpace Encourage affiliated clubs to host education weekends for new members and officials courses Run courses to accredit more Vets into endurance Encouraging vets to become involved Increase/maintain number of accredited TPR and Chief Stewards Increased/maintain number of accredited vets

6 Communications Quarterly Queensland Endurance magazine publication to help educate members about endurance News Express Articles on ride results, upcoming events and information around education and policies Real Time social media sites (Facebook, Twitter) QERA Blog for stories and experiences from members Generating sufficient revenue for the ongoing development and expansion of the magazine Managing Social Media Policies Reaches inter-state distribution by EOY 2017 Provides positive source of revenue for EOFY Increases in size 10% by EOY 2017 General Competition Develop new opportunities for members to be able to ride internationally Continue to increase the grass roots participation of Members to volunteer in the sport New Activities Look for opportunities to join with other equine clubs to run concurrent events especially in remote areas Cost of providing the activity Developing guidelines for the pathway to allow selection of members Members are unwilling to give up time to volunteer People rather spend their time riding Blending different equine disciplines Develop guidelines by the end of Run first event in 2019 Maintain or increase the number of Members who qualify for the Gold card Create a committee to look for opportunities by the end of 2018

7 Bio-Security Awareness Additional publications in our communications Increased signage at events Standardised Education of our officials and vets to provide awareness to members around biosecurity Resources The continued investment into our two Ride Trailers accessible for all clubs to use in the assistance of running rides through necessary equipment which would carry a large expense for each club to maintain. Financial Strength Developing a policy that provides an outcome that is accepted by both members, affiliated clubs and veterinarians. Increase Revenue Increasing costs Decreasing membership Confidence within our Bio- Security processes through zero outbreaks. Smart Bio-Security processes by members at home and stud Centralised asset tracking Ongoing benefit to clubs in having access to these resources to assist with individual affiliated club costs. Delivering a general profit at the end of each year allowing the funding of further activities and development Image Promote Endurance Riding as a Family Sport Promote above all else the Welfare of Horses Current media coverage overseas Increase in membership Positive media publications around our events, those of affiliated clubs and members that are excelling within the sport To complete is to win